The Last Heroes

Men at War #1

by W.E.B. Griffin

June 1941. Answerable only to FDR, Wild Bill Donovan handpicks his young and daring members of the OSS, assembling them under a thin camouflage of diplomacy and then dispersing them throughout the world to conduct covert operations.

And no operation is more critical than the one run by fighter ace Dick Canidy and his half-German wild-card friend, Eric Fulmar. Their mission: Secure the rare ore that will power a top-secret weapon coveted on both sides of the Atlantic, the atomic bomb...

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Military Fiction, Thriller, War, Espionage, Adventure

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

W.E.B. Griffin was one of several pseudonyms for William E. Butterworth III.

From the Authors Website:

W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.

In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.

On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.

He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.

He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.

He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)

He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.

Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”

“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.

Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.

Notes:
Other Pseudonyms

* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac

Reviews

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really quite a very good book. A lot of what took place in the book actually is nonfiction without naming the real characters, except the President and his Generals. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in reading about WW Two.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soldier Spies
A pretty entertaining look at the engagement of talented youth into the growing conflict before the U.S. joined the war and their appropriation by the early precursor to the CIA, “Wild Bill” Donovan’s Office of Strategic Services. The story concentrates on the adventures of two friends enamored with becoming ace fighter pilots in between bouts of womanizing. Joe takes up the work of a contracted mercenary in Burma with Chang Kai-shek’s opposition to Japanese invasion, fighting with the fabled “Flying Tigers.” Dick gets tapped to exploit his friendship with a German-American who is evading the draft in Germany by hanging out with a sheik in Morocco in order to nab an engineer being sought for his special knowledge of uranium mining in Africa. The Manhattan Project is just beginning, and both the U.S. and Germany are competing to get enough of the U235 isotope that the theorists project can make a nuke. The novel is kind of fun with its weaving of action in far-flung locales around the personal lives of a few characters on a fateful stage at a major turning point in history. I was disappointed, however, in how incomplete the plot was without proceeding in the series. I enjoyed a long time ago four in his series “The Corps”, which is about the early war in the Pacific after Perl Harbor, so this was a satisfying return to an author who can spin a decent yarn out of important history.

[Bob Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike other W.E.B. Griffin books that I have read this book got off to a very slow start. Other than that if you like Griffin you will like this book, but certainly not one of his best.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

When World War II breaks out in Europe, President Franklin Roosevelt task World War I hero and now banker with setting up an intelligence agency there. Under cover of diplomatic work, pilot Richard Canady becomes an agent searching for the Nazi version of the atom bomb. He uses a German pilot friend in this task.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this 2 1/2 stars if the system would allow it. This book isn't particularly deep or impressive, but as a break from college studies, it was nice. Overall, the plot reads like a really long intro chapter, as there's no greater story arc. Just a few guys getting sent into various parts of a war. Hopefully the rest of the series will flesh it out more.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I like about returning to Griffin's books is the time period of World War II. That time is filled to the brim with rich stories to tell and allows for interesting characters. Seeing events from a naval perspective is something new.

[Jim Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Vintage WEB Griffin. There is no better military fiction.

[Veljko · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this is standard Griffin fare, and I must say I won't be reading any more of his works. I love the idea of his books but I do not like the execution. I often criticize authors for sacrificing character development for action rampages in their books, with Mr.Griffin it goes the other way. 90 percent of his books are mostly character and story driven with little to no action. And I would not mind that, I actually welcome it, but the books fall flat. For book that spend so much time with characters they mostly are flat, merry sue, cookie cardboard cutouts. They are all handsome, smart, intelligent , amazing in whatever they do, women get wet just by the sight of them... I mean there is not much room to grow, and where there are it never happens. They mostly stay the same thought the whole series. Women are there for sex, okay everyone loves sex, but you could at least spend some time developing them if they are going to be part of the story and have connectionto main cast. Then when he goes to make real romance it is stupidly done. Characters fall in love,marry, engage, decide to spend the rest of their lives in couple of chapter or in couple hundred pages. These series are long and there are a lot of books, yet author spends little to no time developing real relationships, romantic or friendly ones. There are also hundreds of pages and dozens of unnecessary characters and side stories that you want to scream! They have nothing to do with main plot line or characters ( whomever they may be, also a thing I do not like, no main mc in real sense of the word) yet we spend whole chapters reading about them. They bring not single thing to the story overall, they are there for the bigger page count I guess. Also author tends to repeat himself a lot, and show every miniscule scene. I do not need to read 30 pages to get the idea that Germans are going to marocco to do mischief. It can be stated in couple of pages or sentences.
I don't know I really wanted to like these books and others but I just couldn't kepp reading after first couple of books. I wouldn't really recommend these books, I mean if you really have nothing to do with your life give em a go, maybe you will like them.

[Darren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a W.E.B. Griffin fan for a while now. Admittedly, I have not read any of his in a long while. So, I decided to read one that has been in my TBR pile. So, let’s get to it.

It is June of 1941. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt knows that America will eventually be dragged into World War II. Together, with William “Wild Bill” Donovan, they form the OSS (Office of Strategic Services). Scientists have discovered a way of splitting the atom, that has the potential of becoming a devastating weapon. The problem is they need a component, Uranium-235, which is in very short supply. Roosevelt wants to get a leg up on the research and development of this weapon before anyone else has a chance to. The OSS is tasked with getting their hands on a French mining engineer and bringing him to the United States. The problem is he may not want to come because doing so would mean leaving his family behind in Nazi-occupied France.

As historical fiction goes, this book was good. Just…good. I was not bowled over by the story or characters, and even then the characters became confusing. You knew that there was going to be sex, and it was done in a fast, tasteful manner. But the book moved so slowly. When the action came I was hoping it would pick up, but even then the action was okay. Nothing spectacular, but nothing really bad either. It just was.

I give this book 3 out of 5 bookmarks. I hope the series gets better…

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it's the fifth or sixth time i read The last Heroes by W.E.B. Griffin, he is one of my absolute favorite authors. In this series we get to follow a wide variety of characters through there lifes during the second world war and we get to follow the creation of OSS, the organisation that later became CIA. The book starts with a couple of navy airmen who leaves the service to go to China and the Flying Tigers as well as we see how Roosevelt tasks Wild Bill Donovan with the creation of a brand new intelligence organisation. In this series we get to see all about the family life of the people involved as well as there situation in the military. We also get to follow along in the power game inbetween the different services in the US. The books are filled with action and drama and a great big helping of humor and peculiar situations. I have great fun reading these books every time.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Heroes: The Men At War Series (Office of Strategic Services, Book I) by W.E.B. Griffin (Jove 1985) (Fiction – Military). In June 1941, FDR and “Wild Bill” Donovan create the most audacious intelligence gathering organization on earth with the stroke of a pen. This is the story of those men. My rating: 7/10, finished 1986.

[George Siehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

W.E.B. Griffin, author of two outstanding series of WW II military novels, The Brotherhood of War and The Corps, here writes under the name Alex Baldwin to begin a parallel series on the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) to explore the intelligence/espionage aspects of WWII. This book, "The Last Heroes" is the first in the series called Men at War: the series' publication dates to the early 1980's. His character structure is to begin with the story of one individual then add interacting characters in snowball fashion. Each character brings with him, or her, connections to other people, organizations, or interests that through their interactions move the plot forward. Coincidence is a heavy player in the prior series, and in this book. Another engaging feature is the faux military and civilian documents which add the feel of authenticity while also advancing the story line.

The driver of this opening book, at least, is the need to find a supply of uranium 235 which was essential to the development of America's nuclear weapon. The author borrows freely from real world figures to staff his novels, here using FDR, Bill Donovan, first head of the OSS, General MacArthur, and others to great advantage while furthering that feeling of authenticity. The initial fictional character is Richard Canidy, an MIT engineering graduate and current Navy flight instructor. A worldly young man, he looks forward to completing his military obligation in 1942 and accepting an engineering position with Boeing. His wealthy fellow instructor and friend, Ed Bitter, is a by-the-book Naval Academy grad looking forward to a naval career and achieving admiral rank. The interaction of these two provides for some comic moments and elements of character development.

Through circumstances, Canidy becomes involved first in serving as a volunteer Flying Tiger for the Chinese Air Force, then in a mission to Africa for the OSS. Africa is where the world's largest supply of the needed uranium variety is located.

A childhood friend of Canidy's, Eric Fulmer, a mischief prone half-German individual winds up in Morocco as friend of a local young nobleman. He hopes to remain there to avoid being drafted by either the Germans or the Americans. Eric becomes involved in Canidy's African OSS quest.

This book sets the stage for a series that could be as captivating as the two other series have been, but is on its own a very satisfying tale of intrigue and adventure.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up on WEB Griffin's (William Edmund Butterworth III) Brotherhood of War series with no clue I'd end up serving thirty years in the armed forces. Absolutely loved his stories and quickly moved from that series to The Corps and Men at War series.

The Last Heroes is the first book in the Men at War series and fictionalizes (barely) the creation of the Office of Strategic Services and the clandestine operations that followed. Pilot Richard Canidy and his half-German compatriot Eric Fulmar are entrusted with a mission of paramount importance—to obtain a rare mineral crucial for the development of the atomic bomb.

I never imagined while reading this series, I'd end up spending five years working for a defense intelligence agency. But those are less exciting stories than Griffin offers!

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike other W.E.B. Griffin books, this book got off to a very slow start...in fact, it might be a slow start to a seven book series. It chronicles the beginning of the OSS with Wild Bill Donovan, with a salute to the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) and some preparation for the Manhattan Project and the Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. As usual, there is a considerable amount of "soap opera." Our heroes are impressed into the OSS and begin their work. The dialogue is quintessential Griffin...he reads to you every written document so that it becomes conversation. I'm amazed that the POTUS and MacArthur are personally involved with some wet behind the ears Lieutenants...but Griffin can write anything he wants. On to book #2.

[Cheryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

June 1941. Answerable only to FDR, Wild Bill Donovan handpicks his young and daring members of the OSS, assembling them under a thin camouflage of diplomacy and then dispersing them throughout the world to conduct covert operations.
And no operation is more critical than the one run by fighter ace Dick Canidy and his half-German wild-card friend, Eric Fulmar. Their mission: Secure the rare ore that will power a top-secret weapon coveted on both sides of the Atlantic, the atomic bomb...

[Dave Ford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow build, quick finish in the last 80 pages. The characters are all well connected, wealthy, ivy leaguers. Constantly bailing each other out. In one silly scene an aviator almost crashes and manages to land at his relatives private air strip on a remote plantation. Almost every plot turn is wound around who knows which cousin or uncle or old school buddy. Literally! The worker bees are always "surprisingly" helpful dahling.

[Dan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answerable only to FDR, Wild Bill Donovan handpicks his young and daring members of the OSS, assembling them under a thin camouflage of diplomacy and then dispersing them throughout the world to conduct covert operations.
And no operation is more critical than the one run by fighter ace Dick Canidy and his half-German wild-card friend, Eric Fulmar. Their mission: Secure the rare ore that will power a top-secret weapon coveted on both sides of the Atlantic, the atomic bomb...

[Brentman99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed WEB Griffin's writing. I thought I had read this series, but decided to go back and read it all again regardless. I'm glad I did as I hadn't read it yet.

I love the characters and the plot. Also, Griffin does the military life and atmosphere very well. If you have served in the military at all, then the characters and situations are familiar.

Overall, I thought this was a great, enjoyable read and look forward to reading the entire series.

[Dwight Quarles Jr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start to this book. Focuses on one family and few very close friends of the family's impact on WW2. One of the rare America is great books that does occasionally (but not often) question some of the motives and choices made by the leaders of the time. It is the first part of long series so its possible the second book picks up faster and better but it has the same rating so I am not sure

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definite fan of many of Griffin's series...recently came to the "Men at War" group by reading some of the later books, so I've gone to the entry-level of the series...lots of exposition as a way to introduce the characters & the set up of the OSS organization as Donovan goes about the establishment work...decent!

[John Connolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I did enjoy exploring the story and history of this but not this particular telling.

Truth in advertising I listened to this as an audio book and it may be the actor that read it. It felt like he was reading a phone book or technical manual.

[T.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

More “Winds of War” than LeCarre or Guadalcanal Diary, this favors dialogue and personal relationships more than action and suspense. It’s more like creative non-fiction in some ways. However the moments it does bring to life are entertaining and the aviation details were a pleasant surprise for this reader.

[Tod Hazlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of historical fiction and W.E.B. Griffin never disappoints.

The rich character development, back stories, and intricacies between characters pull you into the story and keep you there page after page. Personally, I enjoy the inter service rivalry and service traditions explained throughout the story.

An exciting quick read and one that will keep you coming back for more.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually give his books 4 stars, but this one felt all along like he was introducing the characters, and the storylines seemed disparate. I'm hoping they start to braid together in the next book, so I'm staying loyal to this series and Griffin for now. I expect I'll be rewarded.

[Inez Marroquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read of derring do!

liked the story but really would have liked it connected to or set within similar world events as his other books. This in order portray a single world vision.

[Megan Dorsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased this book because it was billed as an action / espionage novel. There was very little action. Most of the book read like an introduction to the cast of characters. It was enjoyable and I’m tempted now to read the next book in the series (hoping there might be more action or espionage.)

[minz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It just wandered around a couple of pilots stories from before the war started to the beginning of the war. It kind of read like a short story with each little section a progression of the story but not really building to the single impact.

[Floyd E. Gilreath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with the history of the start of WW11

The story give you a look at the other side of military and how the clandestine side of the military is different than what most people assume.

[Felis2305 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gut recherchierter Roman um die Gründung des Office of Strategical Services, dem Vorläufer der Central Intelligence Agency und über die ersten Schritte des Manhattan Projects sowie die Schritte der erst neutralen USA in den Zweiten Weltkriegs.

[Joseh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Last heroes

I have read most of the books by Mr. Griffin and was disappointed in the plot and sequence of events. I also found the characters in the book eerily familiar with another series that he published. The only difference, the names were changed.